Written Answers Nos. 83-109
84. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a company (details supplied) has sought the advice of or formally consulted his Department or the Government in relation to any transboundary or other impacts resulting from the construction of a new coal mine underneath the Irish seabed, near the Cumbrian coastline; and if he will outline the content of any such correspondence and communications. [38226/22]
View answerMy Department is not aware of having been approached by any entity in relation to the matters set out in this question, nor does the Department have any statutory role in relation to same.
85. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the salary of four roles within his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38295/22]
View answer86. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department are taking to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38407/22]
View answer87. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated amount that would be raised by introducing a levy of €2.50 per tonne on aggregates extracted from the ground such as rock, sand, gravel and so on used in the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38669/22]
View answerAs Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I have no role or function in relation to the matters raised in the Question. Responsibility for the regulation of aggregate operations falls under the remit of the relevant Local Authorities and therefore arises as a matter for the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
88. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the introduction of the proposed levy on waste recovery that takes place in Ireland and on waste exports from Ireland for recovery elsewhere in the European Union and outside of the European Union; the estimated revenue that could be raised from a waste recovery levy at €5 a tonne to apply to the three key waste recovery options landfill, incineration and export; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38670/22]
View answerThe Circular Economy Bill provides the necessary legislative basis for the introduction of environmental levies and is scheduled to be enacted before the Summer recess. It will then provide the legislative power to introduce a waste recovery levy to activities identified in the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended). Details of the levy will be determined as the drafting of the required Regulations proceeds. It is not yet possible to estimate the revenue that the levy will raise.
I would point out that the primary purpose of environmental levies is to effect behavioural change, not to increase revenue.
89. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated revenue that could be raised from raising the landfill levy by €5 per tonne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38671/22]
View answerBased on the leviable tonnes to landfill in 2021, an addition of €5 per tonne on the current landfill levy would yield an increase of approximately €0.58m.
I would point out that the primary purpose of environmental levies is to effect behavioural change, not to increase revenue.
90. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the introduction of the coffee cup levy; the estimated yield from a 25-cent levy on every disposable coffee cup in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38675/22]
View answer91. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the introduction of the proposed disposable coffee cups; the estimated yield to the Exchequer from a 25-cent levy on disposable coffee cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38676/22]
View answer92. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated yield from a 10 or 25-cent levy on each plastic bottle sold in Ireland; the estimated yield from a 10 or 25-cent levy on every fruit and vegetable sold in plastic in Ireland and a 10 or 25-cent levy on disposable takeaway containers in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38677/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 92, inclusive, together.
The Circular Economy Bill provides the necessary legislative basis for the introduction of environmental levies, and subsequent bans, on single-use disposable items, such as coffee cups and food containers, where more sustainable alternatives are available and affordable. This will be implemented after the Bill is signed into law, starting with the levy on single use coffee cups. The Bill is scheduled for final Stage in the Dáil on 13 July 2022.
The coffee cup levy will require secondary legislation and regulations will be made as soon as possible after the Bill has been enacted. These regulations will be the subject of a public consultation process and it is my intention to bring the levy into force as soon as possible in 2022.
My Department does not hold any reliable data regarding the current total number of disposable items used each year, and therefore cannot provide the estimated yield in the format requested. I would however point out that the introduction of environmental levies is not primarily intended as a revenue raising measure, but rather as a means of incentivising increased use of affordable, re-usable alternatives.
With regards plastic bottles, a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be launched in Q3 this year which applies to all drinks (both soft and alcoholic) that come in PET plastic bottles, aluminium or steel cans sized up to three litres. DRS is a way of encouraging more people to recycle drinks containers and works by charging anyone who buys a drink a small deposit for the bottle or can that it comes in. This is not a levy; the customer gets this deposit back when they return the container to a retailer or other collection point to be recycled.
93. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on providing fully accessible changing places and toilet facilities open to the public in all buildings which his Department owns and public bodies and agencies under his remit to offer people with disabilities and carers a network of equipped spaces to take care of personal hygiene, in safety and comfort.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38717/22]
View answerAll my Department's offices are either owned or leased by the OPW. My Department does not provide services directly to members of the public and as such our offices are not considered public buildings. If someone with a disability is attending a meeting in my Department’s offices they can avail of the accessible facilities there.The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations
94. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are implementing action 32 of the National Disability and Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (details supplied). [38735/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and a commitment to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination.
A Departmental Consultative Committee on Disability (DCC) has been established in my Department and provides a forum for engagement with Departmental officials, representatives of the Disability Stakeholders Group, the National Disability Authority and relevant Agencies. The Committee is responsible for implementing actions outlined in the National Disability Inclusion Strategy where the Department and/or its Agencies have a role. That includes actions in relation to policy around Communications, Web Accessibility, Emergency Call Answering, and HR and Corporate issues such as recruitment, accommodation and accessibility in the Department.
The Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established last year with the aim to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. This Group is a cross representative group and will play an integral role in driving forward the Department’s vision for inclusion, diversity and equality.
The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
95. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of the additional funding provided in Budget 2022 for climate measures; and the progress on the implementation of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38754/22]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy was launched in early 2021. The policy recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department’s focus to date has been on strategically developing the National Hub Network, the Network's shared online booking platform connectedhubs.ie, adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure and supporting the establishment of new hubs.
Over €100m has been invested by my department in the development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs.
On 8 June, I announced that 81 projects across the country were successful in securing funding via the Connected Hubs Call 2022, allocating €5 million in funding to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in remote working hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country. This follows the award of almost €9M under the Connected Hubs Call in 2021.
In addition to the National Hub Network, my department is working closely with officials at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to establish the nationwide network of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).
BCPs are publicly accessible facilities, typically community centres and sports clubs, in predominantly rural and isolated areas. These facilities offer onsite internet access for a variety of community uses, including skills training and STEM activities for children and young people, eHealth initiatives and remote working. To date 273 of 300 sites are live, with the remainder scheduled for completion this year.
To date my focus has been on establishing the National Hub Network and the BCP network and on achieving the initial critical mass. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of both projects, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development. To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country, with local authorities and communities, and with other stakeholders, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network, the connectedhubs.ie platform and the BCP program.
|
Programme Scheme |
Subhead |
2021 €'000 |
2022 €'000 |
Change |
% Change |
|
Environmental Protection Agency - Administrative expenses |
A.3 |
50,177 |
41,619 |
na |
na |
|
Environmental and Climate Research |
A.4 |
- |
16,800 |
na |
na |
|
Carbon Fund |
A.5 |
300 |
8,000 |
na |
na |
|
International Climate Change Commitments |
A.6 |
15,000 |
15,000 |
- |
0% |
|
Climate Initatives |
A.7 |
8,077 |
5,077 |
- 3,000 |
-37% |
|
Just Transition Fund (IE & EU) |
A.8 |
11,000 |
34,000 |
23,000 |
209% |
|
SEAI Admin and General Expenses |
B.3 |
18,383 |
21,475 |
3,092 |
17% |
|
Residential/Community Retrofit Programmes |
B.4 |
263,578 |
na |
na |
|
|
Other Energy Efficiency Programmes |
B.5 |
283,276 |
46,065 |
na |
na |
|
Energy Research Programmes |
B.7 |
18,360 |
25,010 |
6,650 |
36% |
|
Waste Management Programmes |
C.6 |
26,250 |
37,010 |
10,760 |
41% |
|
Total |
|
430,823 |
513,634 |
82,811 |
19% |
Quarterly reporting on the progress made for each of the actions and measures within the Climate Action Plan is undertaken by the Department of the Taoiseach. These progress reports are provided to Government in advance of being published on the gov.ie website gov.ie - Climate Action Plan Progress Reports (www.gov.ie). The most recent progress report was published on 9 June 2022 and indicated that 73% of measures were completed, many of which have significant potential for emissions reduction or for increasing Ireland’s resilience to climate change. However, the report did also highlight the need for further action and acceleration to meet our targets and overcome potential blockages to implementation.
96. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of the total funding that has been provided for retrofitting in 2022; if he will provide a breakdown of allocations to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to date in 2022; the number of homes that have been retrofitted to date; the number that are expected to be carried out in the full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38755/22]
View answer97. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the changes that have been made to retrofitting programmes in 2022 under the National Retrofit Plan; the required funding allocation in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38756/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.
Earlier this year, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades and include:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
These new initiatives will be funded by the unprecedented National Development Plan financial allocation for residential retrofit of €8 billion to 2030. Over 60%, or €5 billion, of this funding will be sourced from carbon tax revenue.
Under the National Development Plan, the financial allocation for residential and community energy upgrade programme for 2023 will be €291m. Final details on the allocation to the SEAI for residential and community energy upgrade schemes will be a matter for the Estimates 2023 process
A total of €267.2 million was allocated for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and the Solar PV scheme in 2022 as part of the Revised Estimates Volume. The capital allocation will be amended on foot of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.
The investment this year targets almost 27,000 home energy upgrades, including over 8,600 homes to a BER of B2. Figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show that to the end of June 8,628 homes have been completed across the residential energy efficiency schemes and of these, 2,681 have been upgraded to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better.
My Department and SEAI are completing a mid-year review of progress and outlook presently.
98. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to the Exchequer of ending the additional charge on quarterly and half-yearly motor tax payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38689/22]
View answer112. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reform the calculation method for quarterly, half-yearly and annual charging for motor car tax; his views on whether the system unfairly and excessively overcharges those motorists in the lower income brackets that avail of the quarterly or half-yearly charge; and his plans to reform the motor car tax system [38642/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 112 together.
Motor tax can be paid annually, half-yearly or quarterly. Half-yearly or quarterly renewals involve additional costs to process and administer. Therefore, the rate for the half-yearly option is 55.5% of the annual rate, and, for the quarterly option, 28.25% of the annual rate. These ratios have remained generally consistent since the 1960s. The loss of income from equalising rates for these options would have a negative impact on motor tax revenue and would have to be borne elsewhere in the motor tax system or in the taxation system generally. The potential loss to the Exchequer has been estimated at just over €37m, based on the volume of transactions in 2021. Given the sum involved, any proposed reform of the current structure is a matter for consideration in the context of Budget preparations.
99. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if Dublin Bus will be publishing the results of a customer service satisfaction survey that it administered via its website in 2022 (details supplied). [38156/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.The query raised regarding publishing the results of a customer service satisfaction survey administered via the Dublin Bus website in 2022 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
100. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if any further plans have been or are being developed to bring passenger rail services from Derry to Donegal Town, Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork in order to provide a working railway service along the west coast of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38181/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, regional rail connectivity is one of the key issues for consideration as part of the ongoing All Island Strategic Rail Review. This includes the urban centres referred to by the Deputy
The Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban/inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines. The provision of rail services to the locations referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context.
A report from the Review is expected to be submitted to me by the end of this year.
101. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Number 201 of 28 June 2022, if the request for consent to increase pensions in payment and deferred pensions impacted by the implementation of the pension levy was sought by Dublin Port Company for the purpose of reversing the levy or as an inflation linked increase; when the request was received by the Minister; the date on which he made his decision;and if he will provide a copy of the letter issued to Dublin Port Company of his decision. [38206/22]
View answerIn line with the provisions of Dublin Port Superannuation Scheme 1996, any increase in pensions requires Ministerial consent.
Further to my reply to the Deputy on the 28 June 2022, I wish to clarify that Dublin Port Company wrote to the Department on 3rd June 2021 seeking Ministerial consent to a 2.5% increase in pensions in payment and deferred pensions.
The request for consent was reviewed within my Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with the assistance of NewERA.
An inflation linked policy for increases was adopted in respect of the Scheme in 2017. This policy links increases to CPI inflation at 31 March in any year and with any subsequent increases payable from 1 July of that year. As CPI inflation was 0% up to March 2021, the adopted policy governing the Scheme’s rules and regarding pension increases does not support an increase in 2021.
I therefore decided not to consent to the proposed 2.5% increase in benefits as the relevant CPI inflation calculation for the period in question - the year ending March 2021 - was actually 0% and the pension scheme’s policy is only for inflation linked increases. A letter issued to the Company advising them of this decision on 13 June 2022.
I wish to further clarify, that in seeking consent, the port company linked the request to a reversal of the impacts of the pension levy. However, it is considered that any reversal of the implementation of the pension levy is a separate issue and the method employed are matters for the trustees of the pension scheme to resolve. This was also communicated to Dublin Port Company.
More broadly, as I acknowledged in Parliamentary Question Number 201 of 28 June 2022, there are increasing inflationary pressures generally as reflected in the Consumer Price Index over the last year and any future requests for consent will be considered as appropriate in light of these developments.
102. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the identity of the authority that is advising his Department of geophysical survey works on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week from 1 July to 15 August 2022 at an offshore location off Dublin and counties Louth and Meath, as detailed in Marine Notice 43 of 2022 issued by his Department; the process his Department followed to ensure the granting of relevant lawful consents before activity commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/22]
View answerIn line with our responsibilities under the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, my Department publishes marine notices once notified of any activities or operations that may impact safety of navigation. In the case of Marine Notice 43 of 2022 my Department was notified by Ondine Limited of its intention to undertake geophysical survey works between 1 July and 15 August 2022. Marine Notice 43 of 2022 was published for maritime safety and navigation reasons on foot of the notification to my Department, to make mariners aware of the operations taking place in order to ensure their safety. The issuing of a marine notice should never be construed as conferring rights or granting permissions.
My Department’s role is to ensure that we meet our international obligations as required by the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea for safety of navigation purposes and my Department has no role in providing approvals or granting lawful consents for such surveys to be undertaken. Notwithstanding that position, I understand that where required, decisions on planning approvals for such surveys are undertaken by the Marine Planning and Foreshore Section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
103. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport the salary of four roles within his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38306/22]
View answerSalary costs related to the Minister are absorbed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Minister of State (MoS) Naughton is in receipt of a TD's salary which is paid by the Houses of the Oireachtas. As a Minister of State, MoS Naughton is paid an allowance of €40,464, which is paid by this Department. MoS Naughton voluntarily surrenders part of her salary in line with Government Decision S180/20/10/2486.
The Secretary General is on the Secretary General level 2 pay scale.
There are currently six Assistant Secretaries serving in the Department. Four of these officers are on the Assistant Secretary non-PPC pay scale. The remaining two officers are on the Assistant Secretary PPC pay scale.
104. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive their luggage from Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38319/22]
View answerI would like to advise the deputy that while the daa is responsible for the baggage system infrastructure in the terminal buildings at Dublin Airport, the handling of baggage at the airport is the responsibility of the airline and their chosen handling partner and passengers are advised to contact their airline directly in relation to lost baggage.
105. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport the current status of plans for the port access northern cross route, including timelines, information on funding and any other relevant details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38356/22]
View answerAs noted previously, Louth County Council is the statutory planning and road authority in its functional area. It is, therefore, a matter for Louth County Council to consider options regarding the development of the proposed Drogheda Northern Cross Route (PANCR) scheme.
It should be noted that there is a limited budget available for projects under the Regional and Local Road Strategic Grant Programme and that the implementation of a number of the larger NDP schemes which are now at construction stage will absorb much of the funding available in the period to 2025. It should also be noted that, under the Public Spending Code, a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) is required for all projects which are estimated to cost in excess of €10 million. To date no SAR report has been received by my Department for this proposed project.
106. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of active travel funding awarded to Wexford County Council to date; the tabular breakdown of each project and the associated funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/22]
View answerDetails of the total amount of Active Travel funding awarded to Wexford County Council for the years 2021 and 2022 can be found in the tables below. While the Deputy has clarified that he requires this information for the years 2020 - 2022 I can confirm that Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) were allocated to Local Authorities in Greater Dublin Area and Regional Cities only in 2020 and 2021 saw the introduction of the first ever Rural Active Travel Investment Programme which included allocations to Wexford County Council.
As the Deputy will notice there has been a significant increase in Active Travel funding allocated to Wexford County Council this year and I look forward to the development of these Active Travel projects that will promote sustainable transport options for people in Wexford.
Active Travel Investment Grants: 2022 Allocations
Wexford County Council
|
Project Name |
Allocation |
|
Beechlawn /Clonard Avenue Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town |
€390,000 |
|
Newtown Road Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town |
€1,000,000 |
|
Monck Street Pedestrianisation Sheme, Wexford Town |
€770,000 |
|
Rosslare Harbour to Kilrane Cycle Scheme |
€80,000 |
|
R723 Oakland Roundabout to Kents Cross, New Ross - Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme |
€150,000 |
|
Cycle Repair/Rest Facilities: Kilmore Quay and Hook Head |
€13,296 |
|
New Footpaths Package A: Including works in Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Kiltealy, Milehouse, Ballyhogue, Clonmahon |
€46,746 |
|
New Footpaths Package B: Including works in The Ballagh, Gorey, Ballycanew, and Riverchapel |
€210,336 |
|
New Footpaths Package C: Including works in Duncannon, Ballinaboola, Killanne, Campile, Ballymitty, and Bridgetown |
€30,483 |
|
Footpath improvement Schemes: Including works in Oilgate, New Ross, Fethard, Piercetown, Taghmon, Wellingtonbridge |
€250,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes: Including works in Gorey and Wexford Town |
€100,000 |
|
Low-Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes |
€100,000 |
|
Low-Cost Permeability Measures |
€40,000 |
|
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure |
€150,000 |
|
Enniscorthy Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works at Promenade River Slaney Walk, Drumsgoold, Ferns |
€150,000 |
|
Gorey Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works in Gorey to Courtown, Ballymoney, Monaseed and Ramsfort |
€150,000 |
|
R772 Cycle Scheme |
€121,000 |
|
New Footpaths Package D: Including Works in Goat Hill, Ballywilliam, and Oaklands to Priority Street |
€100,000 |
|
Pedestrian Improvement Schemes including Works in Our Lady’s Island, Tomhaggard, Murntown, Barntown |
€39,000 |
|
Non SRTS School Walking and Cycling Infrastructure, Wexford Town |
€90,000 |
|
Roxborough Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town |
€100,000 |
|
Wexford Town Local Transport Plan |
€150,000 |
|
Wexford County Council Active Travel Office – Staff Costs |
€209,140 |
|
Total |
€4,440,000 |
Active Travel: 2021 Allocations
Wexford County Council
|
Project Name |
Allocation |
|
Transport Studies/Mobility Plans: Towns Including Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy, Gorey and County Cycle Network Plan |
€215,000 |
|
Beechlawn/Clonard Avenue Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town |
€600,000 |
|
Newtown Road Cycle Team, Wexford Town |
€285,000 |
|
Monck Street Pedestrianisation Scheme, Wexford Town |
€185,000 |
|
Rosslare Harbour to Kilraine Cycle Scheme |
€200,000 |
|
R723 Oakland Roundabout to Kents Cross, New Ross- Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme |
€20,000 |
|
Cycle Repair/Rest Facilities: Kilmore Quay and Hook Head |
€20,000 |
|
New Footpaths Package A: Including works in Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Kiltealy, Milehouse, Ballyhogue, Clohamon and Tombrack |
€355,000 |
|
New Footpaths Package B: Including works in The Ballagh, Gorey, Ballycanew and Riverchapel |
€300,000 |
|
New Footpaths Package C: Including works in Duncannon, Ballinaboola, Killanne, Campile, Ballymitty and Bridgetown |
€451,000 |
|
Footpath Improvement Schemes: Includes works in Oilgate, New Ross, Fethard, Piercetown, Taghmon, Wellingtonbridge and Wexford Town |
€427,000 |
|
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes: Including works in Gorey and Wexford Town |
€145,000 |
|
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes |
€200,000 |
|
Low-Cost Permeability Measures |
€100,000 |
|
Safe to Schools Programme - Support Infrastructure |
€100,000 |
|
Total |
€3,603,00 |
107. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the reason that the Clinch Report has not been published given that his Department received the report over twelve months ago and his public commitment to publish the report by the end of the first quarter of 2022; if he will make arrangements to publish the report into the reform of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38374/22]
View answerFirstly, I would like to highlight that the Report referred to in the question is not a report on the Marine Casualty Investigation Board per se – rather it was centred on the optimal structure for marine casualty investigation.
The Report is still the subject of an engagement with the Office of the Attorney General to obtain legal advice on certain aspects therein. Once this engagement has been concluded, and subject to the advice, I will then look to publish the report as appropriate.
With regard to the broader issue of the reorganisation of marine accident investigation structures, Cabinet approval has been given to the preparation of draft heads of a Merchant Shipping Bill to provide for a new marine accident investigation structure based on the establishment of a full-time marine accident investigation unit. Work on the general scheme is at an advanced stage in my Department. Subject to Government approval, the General Scheme will be subject to engagement with the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications including for pre-legislative scrutiny as part of the legislative process.
108. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the actions that his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department are taking to increase recruitment of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/22]
View answerThe Department of Transport engages the services of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). PAS is the centralised provider of recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Irish Public and Civil Service.
As the leading recruiter for the Civil and Public Service, PAS welcomes people from all communities to apply for career opportunities. PAS promotes diversity and inclusion throughout the Civil and Public Service and priorities recruitment and selection processes that encourage and enable access to candidates from diverse background. All PAS’s activities and initiatives are underpinned by their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the period 2021 to 2023.
All recruitment and selection processes both within my Department and those undertaken by PAS on my Department's behalf are arranged in accordance with the CPSA Codes of Practice and in compliance with the Employment Equality Acts. Furthermore, my Department's Human Resources Development strategy, launched in February 2020 has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Strategic priorities derived from this include actively promoting inclusion and diversity through initiatives such as the Pride@Transport Staff Network.
I have asked the aegis bodies under my Department to provide the information requested for their organisations directly to the Deputy.
109. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Transport the value of overpaid cash fares to Dublin Bus in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; if the money is held by Dublin Bus or used for some other purpose following the ending of the opportunity for bus passengers to recoup their overpaid cash fare in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38450/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services.The query raised regarding overpaid cash fares to Dublin Bus in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
